I am new to quads and i am in the market for a quad for hunting. I might also use it to pull a plot master to set up some food plots on my deer lease. I have a friend that works for a Honda dealer. He can give me any quad at $50 over cost OTD. I am considering the Rancher 4x4 es, Rancher AT or Foreman 4x4 es, Foreman Rubicon. Anyone have any advice? Should i be considering a different model or a different make altogether?

 

I just bought a Rancher 4x4 ES. I love it. Itg has much more pulling power than what I thought it would have. I filled a trailer that I have with firewood and it pulled it great up a fairly steep hill. The trailer holds about 2/3 of what a full-size pickup holds.

As far as the other machines are concerned, I have no experience with those.

Kev

 

foreman 4x4 is a nice maching, but bombardier...a company in wich i hate...does have a REALLY nice 650 twin 4x4 with automatic locking diffrientials and awsome power...they finally did something right...as for the DS 650 guys...ive left a better pile in my toilet...

 

Steve, good luck on the buy. I'll give you my .02 worth. I have experience on the 400AT, 350ES 2x4, and Kawasaki Prairie 360 4x4. They're all good. I personally like the feel of the Kawi better because it's a little bigger and more forgiving when riding some rough terrain. I use it for hunting and work on the hunting land. The rancher is a little quicker on top end when you want to get on it though. With that being said, if you're going new and you can get a good deal with Honda, there is no question about make. You know Honda's rep. If you're not dead set on new, look for one a year or two old. You can get some great deals. It really depends on how much you're looking to spend. My personal opinion (and everbody has one) is that what you're describing calls for a 350/400 machine. People will tell you to go 650/700/800 but it is overkill for what you say you need it for. There is not one thing I haven't been able to do with my machine around the land. The 400AT and P360's are nice with the selectable 2/4 wheel drive. I've only had a few instances where I've had to use the 4 wheel drive and I was glad I had it. The Kawi also has a locker that when engaged locks all wheels. Great when you need it, but you won't need it often. The 350ES 2x4 has made it 90% of the places it's needed to go. Two wheel drive is more fun during play time so the 2/4 option is great. 400AT also has ES/auto. Can be a little more useful. If you can get a great deal, I would go new 400AT. If you want to save a little, look at the 400AT and the P360 with a year or two on 'em. Ask your friend what they've got in on trade. I hear great things about the Suzuki Eiger also, but I don't have experience on it. Good luck

 

I'd buy the Foreman and wouldn't look back.

 

See my comments in this post, if you haven't already: http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/490912.cfm

I am not a big fan of large, heavy utilities. We are very happy with the Rancher. It's big enough to do the job, but not a heavy, ungainly, hulking beast either. Probably be getting another one soon. The Warn 424 is a must!

 

Since you can get a good deal, I would go with the Foreman Rubicon. It's main purpose in life is to do exactly what you are looking for, work work work. While not as sporty as even some of the other 500 class machines, sounds like you aren't looking for sporty that much anyway. As for a different brand, Polaris and Arctic Cat both have rack systems and quite a few work related attachments. Before buying anything, I would go to an AC dealer and give their product a good look. They are the MOST hunter oriented of all the quads IMHO, and pretty tough/reliable from what I have seen as well. No offense to rancher owners, But they are light and don't have the greatest 4x4 system. It is a nice trail bike, but I would think you are looking for something that can double as a small tractor from time to time. that would have to be a Cat.

 

No question in my mind: Foreman Rubicon!